The countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2015 is well underway and fans in Newcastle are being urged to back their favourite team and try out the game for themselves.

Newcastle initiative, ParkLives, is hosting a series of free rugby sessions in green spaces in the city including: Paddy Freemans, Blakelaw Park and Leazes Park.

The sessions are open to members of the local community and local rugby clubs who would like to have a go at Tag Rugby and kicking competitions.

The hour-long ParkLives sessions - delivered by Active Newcastle in partnership with Coca-Cola Great Britain - are suitable for children 8 years and above and adults. All sessions are led by a trained leader and aim to help keep more people active as well as giving them a taste of rugby in the run up to the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Liz Lowe, ParkLives lead at Coca-Cola Great Britain said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 is one of the great sporting events and the Tournament only comes along once every four years. We want to get the whole of Great Britain fired up for it, and what better way than by giving them the chance to play rugby themselves?

“For anyone who fancies learning some rugby skills from a trained session leader, come along and get stuck in - it’s free and it’s a great opportunity to try a new activity in the great outdoors. If rugby is not for you, check out the programme of activities online. There’s something for everyone.”

The free rugby sessions will take place at:

Paddy Freemans on 3rd Oct 12-1pm

Blakelaw Park on Monday 5th Oct 5-6pm

Leazes Park on Saturday 10th Oct 12-1pm

Alongside the rugby sessions, Newcastle ParkLives will be running a range of activities throughout September across city parks. From Tai Chi and yoga to cardio tennis and active bootcamp, there is something for everyone.

A full timetable – including a postcode park finder – can be found at www.parklives.com , where people can also register and book to save a space.

Marguerite Fisher, ParkLives Co-Ordinator said: “Our parks and open spaces are going to be packed with local people enjoying the outdoors and I am sure that these sessions will be incredibly popular. All ParkLives sessions are designed to be fun, accessible and open to all abilities, so come along and see for yourself!”

ParkLives is part of Coca-Cola Great Britain’s commitment to invest £20m between now and 2020 in programmes to encourage and support people to be more physically active. In Newcastle the programme is being delivered by Coca-Cola Great Britain in partnership with Active Newcastle.